Technology has changed how we track and manage vehicles on the road. Two common terms used in this field are license plate recognition (LPR) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

They may sound different, but many people are surprised to find out they are very closely related. Still, there are small differences that are worth understanding, especially if you’re planning to use one of these systems.

What is LPR?

LPR stands for License Plate Recognition. It is a system that uses cameras and software to read the license plates of vehicles. This system is popular in the United States and is often used in parking lots, toll booths, traffic control, and private properties.

The main goal is to quickly capture plate numbers and match them with a database. LPR helps with tasks like checking parking access, finding unpaid tolls, or even tracking vehicles that don’t follow traffic rules.

What is ANPR?

ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition. It works the same way as LPR but is more commonly used in the United Kingdom, Europe, and other parts of the world. The term “number plate” is simply the British way of saying “license plate.”

Like LPR, ANPR uses cameras to capture images of passing vehicles and software to turn those images into readable text. It can be used by police, toll operators, parking managers, and more.

The Main Difference is the Name:

The main thing that separates LPR and ANPR is where the terms are used. LPR is mostly used in countries like the United States and Canada. ANPR is used more often in Europe, Australia, and other regions. Both systems do the same job, reading and processing license plate information using smart tools.

How They Are Used:

Whether it’s called LPR or ANPR, the technology is used in many of the same ways. Police use it to track stolen cars or find vehicles involved in crimes. Businesses use it to manage parking lots. Cities use it to control traffic flow. The system captures the plate, reads the numbers and letters, and compares the data to whatever list the user has set up.

So, while LPR and ANPR may sound different, they work in the same way and serve the same purpose. The choice of name just depends on where you are in the world.